PG Dip Criminology and Criminal Psychology

Overview

Criminology has changed a lot over the past 200 years, and modern policing and justice systems must deal with ever-changing challenges and opportunities. The improvement of forensic psychology methods and appearance of new types of crime mean that a thorough understanding of criminological theory has never been more essential.

Throughout your course you will examine a range of perspectives on race, gender, sex and class in the criminal justice system, and explore offences such as violent crime, sexual crimes and firesetting. Topics youll study include:

• the sociological approach to crime, criminology and criminological theory
• the role of forensic psychology in manging mentally disordered offenders
• the status of the victim throughout the criminal process
• the historic relationship between psychology and policing, and what this means for modern policing
• critical assessment of complex criminal investigations in accordance with national standards.

Throughout the course you will develop your skills in critical evaluation, decision-making and prioritisation. Towards the end of your studies you will have the opportunity to advance onto the Masters in criminology and criminal psychology.

Teaching methods

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you will have access to your study materials 24/7, including:

• multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments
• discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students
• live Q&A sessions with your tutors
• a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals
• support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team

To ensure you receive the support you need from your tutor, we cap our class sizes at 20 students.

Assessment methods

Rather than fretting about exams, you will be assessed exclusively through assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, or by submitting longer written pieces.

We are committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback through the following ways:

• Our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent.
• You will always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme.
• You will be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log onto the learning platform.
• There is a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work.
• You will have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise.

Career prospects

Senior roles within criminal justice are often a career objective for our criminology graduates. Many go on to serve as analytical police staff or police officers, or in offender support, probation, prison and victim services. The course will also be useful for those seeking employment within security services and the National Crime Agency.

Academic entry route - You must have the following qualifications as a minimum: an undergraduate degree from an approved institution, equivalent to a UK Honours degree, or a relevant professional qualification. Work experience entry route - You must meet the following criteria: at least three years relevant work experience.